Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you have been hurt on the job, you are likely experiencing a lot of uncertainty about what you need to do to protect your future. The Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers at Quinn Law Group can assist you during this stressful time.

Workplace injuries and illnesses happen every day in our local industrial, healthcare, and service sectors. In Pennsylvania, as in every other state, there are workers’ compensation laws that provide benefits to those who get hurt while performing their duties. Unlike some other states, Pennsylvania law requires almost every employer to carry workers’ compensation insurance, even if they only have one employee. This page explains your rights in Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth when you suffer an injury or illness because of your employment.

Sean Quinn and his team bring years of experience to every case we handle. To learn more about how we can help, call us at (215) 360-3666 for a free consultation.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides money and medical care to workers who suffer an injury or contract an illness while on the clock. It acts as a trade-off between employers and employees, where the worker gets guaranteed help without needing to prove the boss did something wrong, and the employer is protected from most lawsuits.

An injured worker does not need to show that the company was negligent; you only need to show that your injury was work-related. Additionally, if a workers’ compensation claim is approved, you will start to receive payments relatively quickly, which is much faster than the years it often takes to finish a typical personal injury lawsuit.

Workers’ comp law benefits employers by setting specific limits on how much they have to pay for an injury. In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation is considered the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries, meaning you generally cannot file a civil lawsuit against your employer for a work accident, which keeps them safe from massive jury awards.

Workers’ Compensation Law in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania takes a mandatory approach to workers’ compensation, requiring nearly every business to provide coverage from the first day an employee starts working. This includes full-time, part-time, and even seasonal workers. If your employer fails to carry this required insurance, you may still be able to seek help through the Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund, which is a state program designed to protect workers in your situation.

Unlike states where coverage is optional, Pennsylvania law is very strict about employer compliance. If you are injured and your employer does not have insurance, they may face serious penalties, and you might have the rare right to file a civil lawsuit against them.

Who Pays Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

If your employer follows the law, they will cover the costs of your injury through a policy they bought from a private insurance company, the State Workers’ Insurance Fund, or by being self-insured. When you have an approved claim, the benefits are paid by that insurance provider. If your employer is one of the few who do not have insurance, the state’s guaranty fund may step in, or the employer might be forced to pay you directly.

Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?

In general, you qualify for benefits if you meet a few specific requirements: you must be considered an employee under the law, and your injury must be job-related. In Pennsylvania, almost every worker is covered, but there are still specific criteria to keep in mind:

• You must be an employee—while independent contractors are often excluded, many workers are misclassified and may still be eligible for help.
• The injury or illness must have happened in the course and scope of your employment.
• You must meet the strict deadlines for reporting the accident to your boss and filing your official claim.
• The injury must not have been intentionally self-inflicted or caused by illegal drug use or intoxication.

What Benefits Are Available Through a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws provide several types of support for anyone experiencing a job-related health issue:

• Replacement of lost income—If you are unable to work, you can receive wage-loss benefits, which are typically about two-thirds of your average weekly wage. For 2026, the maximum weekly compensation rate in Pennsylvania is $1,394.00.
• Medical expenses—Your employer or their insurer must pay for all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and medication.
• Specific loss benefits—If you permanently lose the use of a body part, such as a hand or a foot, or suffer from serious permanent disfigurement on your face or neck, you may get a specific award regardless of whether you miss work.
• Rehabilitation costs—This includes physical therapy and other treatments aimed at helping you get back to your normal life.
• Death benefits—If a workplace accident is fatal, surviving dependents like a spouse or children can receive benefits to help with the loss of financial support.
• Funeral and burial expenses—The law requires the insurer to pay a specific amount, currently up to $7,000 in Pennsylvania, to help cover these final costs.

To find out exactly what your specific case might be worth, you should talk to the Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers at Quinn Law Group.

How Long Does an Injured Worker Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Philadelphia?

The time you have to take legal action is limited by the statute of limitations. In Pennsylvania, you generally have three years from the date of your injury to file a formal claim petition. However, there is a much shorter deadline for the very first step: you must notify your employer about your injury within 120 days. If you wait longer than 120 days to tell your supervisor, you will likely lose your right to benefits forever. If you report the injury within the first 21 days, you may be eligible for benefits starting from the very first day you missed work.

What Is the Process for Successfully Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

In the stressful time after an accident, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Following these steps can help protect your claim:

• Seek medical attention—Your health is the most important thing, so see a doctor immediately. This also creates a medical record that links your injury to your job.
• Notify your employer—Tell a manager or supervisor as soon as you can. Do not just tell a coworker; make sure someone in charge knows what happened.
• Gather evidence—If you can, take photos of where you were hurt and get the names of anyone who saw the accident happen.
• Hire an experienced Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer—Your attorney will handle the difficult conversations with the insurance company and make sure all your paperwork is perfect.
• Complete the claim form—If your employer denies your claim, your lawyer will file a formal Claim Petition with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to start the legal process.

Once you report the injury, the insurance company has 21 days to decide if they will accept or deny your claim. If they deny it, you have the right to a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge. This process involves presenting medical evidence and testimony to prove you deserve benefits. If the judge also denies your claim, you can appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board, and eventually to the state courts if necessary.

How Much Does It Cost to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Most workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means we take a percentage of the money we recover for you, and we only get paid if we win your case. You do not have to pay anything up front to get our help.

How Can an Experienced Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help with Your Case?

Experiencing the workers’ compensation system can be intimidating, especially when an insurance company is trying to save money by denying your help. A lawyer can benefit you in many ways:

• We conduct an investigation to find exactly how you were hurt and who is responsible.
• We handle all the deadlines so you never have to worry about missing a filing date.
• We act as your voice in hearings so you do not have to face the judge and the insurance lawyers alone.
• We ensure you are seeing the right doctors and getting the specialized treatment you need to heal.
• We calculate your wages correctly so you get the maximum amount of money allowed by law.

What Types of Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

You can seek benefits for almost any injury or illness that happens because of your work. This includes:

• Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome from years of the same motion.
• Head and brain injuries caused by falls or being hit by falling objects.
• Soft-tissue injuries such as back strains, neck pain, or torn ligaments.
• Bone fractures and broken limbs from accidents on the job.
• Occupational diseases caused by exposure to chemicals, dust, or mold over time.
• Hearing loss from working in loud environments without the right protection.

Consult with Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Legal Help

Challenges with the workers’ comp claims process can lead to delays or denials at a time when you need your workers’ compensation benefits most. The Quinn Law Group is ready to support injured workers, so please call (215) 352-3443 or visit us online to schedule a complimentary case review with a Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer. After learning more about your circumstances, our law firm can discuss the next steps.

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